Summary
FX’sShogunhas taken the world by storm, and rightfully so.
Although the series isn’t a remake,2024 isn’t the first time the story induced cultural fervor.
Clavell’s 1975 novelcaused almost the same level of captivated hubbub.
When a mysterious European ship is found marooned in a nearby fishing village, Lord Yoshii Toranaga discovers secrets that could tip the scales of power and devastate his enemies.
Although the narrative beats between versions are nearly identical,their approaches and focus very much differ.
When FX has altered the plot, their reasons and the successful results are tellingly significant.
There’s much more of the rogueish Vasco Rodrigues (John Rhys-Davies).
Image: Paramount Pictures
Initially, he tries to kill Blackthorne by tossing him overboard during a storm.
John saves Rodrigues’s life regardless, which leaves Rodrigues guilt-ridden when the priests order him to kill Blackthorne.
His attempt doesn’t get far, and the two stay frenemies until the end.
Their love scenes are a sweet and genuine delight in their 1980s-appropriate fashion.
And will it give him the element of surprise he desperately needs?
In comparison, theShogunof 2024condenses the action, rearranges timelines, and swaps minor exchanges with synonymous situations.
Perhaps the most surprising similarity is itsgroundbreaking violenceand sexual content.
The nudity involves a topless woman, and there arefrank discussions about pillowing preferences.
Toranaga and Mariko exist in proxy to him and receive little if any individual screen time.
Unfortunately, that’s not surprising for the time, butcontext doesn’t absolve critique.
Having said that, it’s impossible to not fall for Richard Chamberlain’s Blackthorne.
Such loyalty intensifies when he falls for Mariko.
Toranaga’s meeting with his brother Saeki is tense, but witnessed by Blackthorne and Mariko from afar.
Likewise,Toranaga’s pivotal fake surrenderdoesn’t cause emotional upheaval.
It showsthe implacable strategist’slighter side and gives Mifune a wider palette with which to play.
Yoko Shimada’s Lady Mariko personifies reserved grace, quiet cunning, and empathy.
That rings like a male fantasy more than historical truth.
For all her superb work, however,Shogunnever gets into Mariko’s head.
For example: why does she love Blackthorne enough to repeatedly risk her life?
Blackthorne is just one part of a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.
He contributes, but it isn’t his story to tell.
That was one of the great experiences of my life."
A flawed adaptation with ambitious production feats and remarkable performances,Shogunis a time capsule.
Admittedly, it’s impossible to argue with Toshiro Mifune as Toranaga.
But now, 44 years after NBC aired the originalShogun,the world is finally listeningmore responsibly.
New episodes ofShogunpremiere each Tuesday on FX and Hulu in the U.S.
Watch on Hulu
